Review of Valkyrie (2008) by Jonny P — 01 Aug 2014

"Valkyrie" tells the true story of a failed attempt to assassinate Adolph Hitler. The plot attempted to use Operation Valkyrie, the national emergency plan, to seize control of the country and it was planned and carried out by a group of German army officers.

The logistics of the plot itself are fascinating and clever while the gumption of these officers-turned-vigilantes is admirable. The casting of Tom Cruise as Colonel Von Stauffenberg is a no-brainer as the two could be identical twins.

His eight-month preparation and research for this role shows as he embodies von Stauffenberg. His acting is precise and articulate as he masterminds this potential history-altering plan. The other notable performance to me came from Tom Wilkinson as Colonel General Fromm, understanding the importance of the July 20 plot but attempting to stay loyal as long as Hitler is alive.

His portrayal garners sympathy even though he is going against con Stauffenberg's plan. While the movie is informative and historically accurate, it does have a tendency to drag on at times. The beginning paints this film to be a historical thriller and, while all of the acting is good, it is not enough to build momentum from the beginning to the end.

I would definitely recommend "Valkyrie" to anybody who is interested in history, but just realize that it moves at the speed of a historical piece instead of a thriller.